Farzan (Snr) will be remembered: Appana

The country’s boxing fraternity mourns the death of former boxer, trainer and promoter Farzan Ali (Snr). Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) president, Subhash Appana said Farzan (Snr) was a popular and a much-respected boxer in the early 1970s.

“He was known for his ruggedness and no-nonsense style,” Appana recalled.

“As was the case with most Fijian champions in the lower divisions at the time, the arrival of Sakaraia Ve after the Guam South Pacific Games in 1975, moved the boxing spotlight onto the diminutive man from Ovalau.

“Farzan (Snr) continued to enjoy the respect of the boxing fraternity as he made the transition to boxing trainer.”

As trainer Farzan groomed his two sons, the late Joy ‘The Jet’ Ali and Junior ‘The Razor’ Farzan Ali. They started their training in Vatuwaqa, Suva, and continued on in Nadi.

He became a promoter under the Professional Boxing & Wrestling

Association (PBWA) in 1999 and staged his first promotion at Subrail Park, Labasa.

Joy was rated No.15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in 2005 after he won and defended the Pan Asian Boxing Federation (PABA) super welterweight title in Suva. “The brothers carved their names on the local as well as the international boxing circuits.

“In fact, both them helped inject much-needed adrenalin into boxing at a time when the sport was virtually dead.

“Farzan’s (Snr) dedication, perseverance and sacrifices made him an icon who will not be easily forgotten.

“The Boxing Commission of Fiji extends its profound gratitude and heartfelt condolences to Farzan Ali’s family. So long champ.

“Thank you for the memories. You will not be forgotten,” added Appana.

Farzan (Snr) passed away at Nadi Hospital the age of 71 and was buried at the Enamanu Cemetery yesterday.